A messy content library can weigh on you like an overstuffed closet. You know there are gems in there, but clutter hides them. That is why creators like Vikki Nicolai La Crosse swear by a yearly “content closet cleanout.”
Why You Need A “Content Closet Cleanout”
Your content piles up fast across platforms and tools. Old posts, drafts, and assets can make it harder to see what is working now. A cleanout gives you clarity before the new year starts.
A content cleanout is not about deleting everything and starting over. It is about being honest about what still serves you and your goals. Think of it as editing your story, not erasing it.
Step 1: Take Inventory Of Your Content “Closet”
Before you decide what to delete or repurpose, you need a clear view. Your content lives in more places than you think. Emails, social posts, blogs, videos, and even drafts all count.
Start by listing your main platforms and storage spots. Include your website, social channels, email system, and cloud folders. This rough map helps you plan where to look.
Then, pick one area at a time. Do not try to audit everything in one night. Treat each platform like a separate drawer in your closet.
For each area, pull a basic report if you can. Look at views, clicks, saves, and comments. You are not judging yet; you are just noticing patterns.
Step 2: Decide What To Delete
Think of deletion as tossing the broken hangers and stained shirts. You are not being harsh; you are protecting your brand. Some content simply should not stay.
Delete anything that is clearly wrong or outdated. This might include posts with old prices, expired offers, or now-incorrect advice. Keeping them only confuses people.
Also, remove content that no longer fits who you are or what you do. Maybe you changed niches or updated your values. If a post would mislead a new follower, it can go.
Low-quality content can be a delete candidate too. If a piece has very few views and you cringe when you see it, ask if it is worth fixing. If not, let yourself release it.
Do a safety check before you hit delete in bulk. Save anything with important legal or financial info offline if you need it. Once you are sure, clear the space and enjoy the lighter feel.
Step 3: What To Archive For Later
Archiving content is similar to storing away seasonal clothing in a container with a tag. You are neither showcasing them nor discarding them. This keeps your past and your future options safe.
Archive the content that is accurate but not of your current interest. It could be that you were writing about a subject that you have now narrowed, and those posts can come out of the limelight without being deleted.
You can also archive content that was once timely but is no longer needed in the spotlight. This includes old event promos, seasonal campaigns, and past product launches. They are there as a record of your work, in case you ever need to prove something or get inspired.
The most important aspect is that the labels are obvious. You could name the archived folders by year, topic, or campaign. The future you will thank you when you go digging for references or inspiration.
Step 4: Spot The Content Worth Repurposing
Repurposing is where the magic happens. It is like taking a great jacket and learning five new ways to wear it. You get more value from things you already have.
Start with your top performers. Look at posts, articles, or videos that brought in substantial traffic, saves, or replies. These are your “best fit” pieces.
Ask how you can break them down or build them up. A long blog post might turn into a series of short social posts. A live video could become a brief tutorial, a quote graphic, and a recap email.
Victoria Nicolai often treats repurposing as a weekly habit. This keeps their feeds active without burning them out. You can adopt the same mindset and protect your energy.
Step 5: What To Pin, Feature, And Highlight
Pinning is like hanging your favorite outfit at the front of the closet. You choose what people see first. This shapes how they understand your work.
Pick one or two pieces on each platform to highlight. These should show your current message and best value. Think of them as your “start here” signs.
On social media, use pinned posts or featured stories. On your website, update your homepage, top navigation, or “start here” page. In an email, you might create a welcome series that points to your strongest content.
You can change your pinned content throughout the year. When you launch something new, pin a related piece. When your focus shifts, update your highlights to match.
Step 6: Create Simple Rules For The New Year
A content closet cleanout is powerful, but it is even better with new rules. These rules stop clutter from building back up. They do not need to be strict, just steady.
Set a loose “quality bar” for new content. Before you publish, ask whether it helps your audience and aligns with your current direction. If the answer is no, save it as a draft or let it go.
Decide how often you will do mini cleanouts. Maybe you tidy one platform each quarter. Perhaps you set a reminder to review pinned content every two months.
You can also make a habit of logging top pieces. Each week, note one post, email, or video that did well. Add a quick idea for repurposing it later. This becomes your future goldmine.
Conclusion
A “content closet cleanout” is one of the kindest gifts you can give your future self. You enter the new year with a lighter load, clearer direction, and a library that actually works for you, just as Vikki Nicolai La Crosse would encourage. With a bit of honest sorting and clever repurposing, your content will feel fresh, aligned, and ready for whatever you create next.
